Squeegee wiper for tailgate windows

ABSTRACT

In a preferred form, this disclosure relates to a tailgate window cleaning system for cleaning a tailgate window of a station wagon vehicle. The tailgate window cleaning system comprises an elongated stationary support means which is adapted to be secured to the tailgate adjacent its upper end, an elongated window wiper for wiping the window and which is supported by the support means for movement in opposite directions between an on-glass position in which the blade engages the window and an off-glass position in which the blade is disengaged from the window, biasing means for biasing the wiper towards its on-glass position, and a positioning mechanism for holding the wiper in its off-glass position as the window is moved from its fully closed position toward its fully open position and which releases the wiper blade for movement towards its on-glass position as it approaches its fully open position and maintains the same in this position as the window is moved from its fully open position toward its fully closed position. The window cleaner system also includes a washer means which comprises a plurality of spray openings in the wiper for emitting washer fluid against the window when the window is moved from its fully open position toward its fully closed position.

iliiited States aterrt Parker et al.

[54] SQUEEGEE WFER FOR 'EAELGA'EE WINDOWS [72] inventors: Eric G.Parker, Kettering; Charles C. Wolf, Dayton, both of Ohio [73] Assignee:General Motors Detroit, Mich.

[22] Filed: April 19, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 135,250

Corporation,

[56] References (Zited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1956 Alef ..l5/250.l7/1969 Scinta ..15/250.l 12/1970 Kruger ..l5/250.l X 5/1971 Verdoodt etal ..15/250.1

Primary Examiner-Peter Feldman Attorney-W. E. Finken and W. A. ShuetzAug. 29, 1972 In a preferred form, this disclosure relates to a tailgatewindow cleaning system for cleaning a tailgate window of a station wagonvehicle. The tailgate window cleaning system comprises an elongatedstationary support means which is adapted to be secured to the tailgateadjacent its upper end, an elongated window wiper for wiping the windowand which is supported by the support means for movement in oppositedirections between an on-glass position in which the blade engages thewindow and an off-glass position in which the blade is disengaged fromthe window, biasing means for biasing the wiper towards its on-glassposition, and a positioning mechanism for holding the wiper in itsoff-glass position as the window is moved from its fully closed positiontoward its fully open position and which releases the wiper blade formovement towards its on-glass position as it approaches its fully openposition and maintains the same in this position as the window is movedfrom its fully open position toward its fully closed position. Thewindow cleaner system also includes a washer means which comprises aplurality of spray openings in the wiper for emitting washer fluidagainst the window when the window is moved from its fully open positiontoward its fully closed position.

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The present invention broadly relates to a window cleaning system, andin particular to the window cleaning system for cleaning a rear windowof a station wagon vehicle and in which the window cleaner system isrendered inoperative as the window is being moved from its closedposition towards its open position and operative to clean the windowwhen the latter is moved from its open position towards its closedposition.

Heretofore, window cleaner systems for cleaning a movable window of anautomotive vehicle have been provided. These known systems have includedvarious arrangements or mechanisms for effecting movement of a wiper orsqueegee to an on-glass position to wipe the window as the latter isbeing raised and to an offglass position as the latter is being lowered.Examples of such window cleaner systems are shown in US. Pat. Nos.2,743,472 and 3,452,384. These known systems have also included a spraybar for emitting washer fluid against the window as the latter is beingraised.

The present invention is directed to a new and improved arrangement foreffecting movement of a wiper or squeegee to an on-glass position as thewindow is being raised and to an off-glass position when the window isbeing lowered. in the preferred embodiment, the novel window cleanersystem is used for cleaning a rear window of a station wagon vehicle. itincludes an elongated stationary support means which is secured to thevehicle and extends laterally of the window adjacent the upper edge ofthe tailgate, a window wiper including a flexible wiper blade for wipingthe window and an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade,spring means for pivotally supporting the wiper for movement in oppositedirections between an on-glass position in which the blade engages thewindow and an off-glass position in which the blade is disengaged fromthe window and with the spring means biasing the wiper towards itson-glass position, and a positioning mechanism for holding the wiper inits off-glass position as the window is moved from its fully closedposition towards its fully open position, releasing the wiper formovement towards its on-glass position by the spring means as the windowapproached its fully open position, allowing the wiper to remain in itson-glass position as the window is raised from its fully open positiontowards its closed position and moving the wiper from its on-glassposition towards its off-glass position in opposition to the biasingforce of the spring means as the window approaches its fully closedposition.

The positioning mechanism includes a first cam means pivotally supportedby support means and which is biased toward a first position in which itengages an underside portion of the blade holder to hold the wiper inits off-glass position; a member carried by the win dow and cooperablyengageable with a fitting operatively connected with the first cam meansfor moving the first cam means from its first position toward a secondposition in which it releases the wiper for movement towards itson-glass position in response to the window approaching its fully openposition; and a second cam means carried by the window and engageablewith the wiper to move the same from its on-glass position toward itsoff-glass position when the window approaches its fully closed position.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved window cleaning system or apparatus for cleaning a window whichis supported by an automotive vehicle for movement in oppositedirections between closed and open positions, and which is of aneconomical and simple construction and constructed and arranged suchthat an elongated wiper or squeegee is moved to an off-glass position asthe window is being lowered and is moved to an on-glass position forwiping the same when the window is being raised.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedwindow cleaning apparatus for cleaning a movable window of an automotivevehicle, preferably a rear window of the station wagon .vehicle, andwhich includes an elongated stationary support means which is adapted tobe secured to the vehicle and extend laterally of the window, anelongated wiper comprising a flexible wiper blade for wiping the windowand an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade which inturn is supported by the support means for movement in oppositedirections, biasing means, preferably a spring means, for supporting thewiper for movement in opposite directions between an on-glass positionand an ofi-glass position and which biases the wiper toward an on-glassposition, a first cam means pivotally supported by the support means andbiased toward a first position which engages an underside portion .ofthe blade holder to hold the wiper in its off-glass position, a membercarried by the window and cooperably engageable with means connectedwith the first cam means for moving the first cam means from its firstposition toward a second position in which it releases the wiper formovement toward its on-glass position in response to the windowapproaching its fully open position and a second cam means carried bythe window and engageable with the blade holder to move the wiper fromits on-glass position toward its off-glass position when the windowapproaches its fully closed position.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved window cleaning apparatus, as defined in the next precedingobject, and in which the means connected to the first cam means formoving the same from its first position toward the second positioncomprises a cable whose movement is guided by one end of the stationarysupport means and which has one end thereof connected to the tailgateand a fitting carried by the cable which is engageable by the membercarried by the window as the window approaches its fully open positionto cause the cable to be yanked and the first cam means to be movedtowards its second position to release the wiper for movement toward itson-glass position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved window cleaning apparatus, as defined in any of the precedingobjects, and in which the blade holder has an elongated openingtherethrough in communication with a plurality of apertures for emittingwasher fluid underpressure against the glass to wet the same in responseto the window being moved from its open position towards its closedposition.

The present invention further resides in various novel constructions andarrangement of parts, and further objects novel characteristics andadvantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art to which it relates and from the following detailed descriptionof the illustrated embodiments thereof made with reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in whichsimilar reference numerals or characters are employed to designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. l is a fragmentary rear perspective view of a station wagon vehicleembodying the novel window cleaner apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken approximatelyalong line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken approximatelyalong lines 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view like that shown in FIG.2 but showing different parts thereof in different positions;

FiG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of part of thewindshield cleaner shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram for controlling operation of thewindow cleaner apparatus.

As representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedrawings show a window cleaning apparatus or system A for cleaning awindow ill of a station wagon vehicle 12. The station wagon vehicle 12includes a tailgate 13 having inner, outer and side walls 14-17,respectively. The walls 14-47 define a compartment or well 18 in whichthe window cleaning apparatus A is housed.

The tailgate l3 guidably supports the window for movement in oppositedirections between a fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, and afully open position, as shown in FIG. 4. The window 10 is adapted to bemoved between its open and closed positions by a suitable orconventional window regulator mechanism (not shown) which includes areversible, DC electric motor 20 (schematically shown in FIG. 6) foroperating the window regulator mechanism. The rear window it) isreceived within the well 18 of the tailgate 13 as the latter is loweredto its fully open position.

The rear window cleaner apparatus A broadly comprises a support meanscarried by the tailgate adjacent its upper end, an elongated windshieldwiper 27 extending laterally across the window which includes a flexiblewiper blade 28 and a blade holder 30, a biasing means 32 for supportingthe window wiper 27 for pivotal movement between a first or on-glassposition, as shown in FIG. 4, and a second or ofi-glass position, asshown in FIG. 3, and which biases the window wiper 27 towards itson-glass position, and a positioning mechanism or arrangement 35 whichis operable to (1) hold the window wiper 27 in its off-glass position asthe window 10 is lowered from its fully closed position towards itsfully open position, (2) release the window wiper 27 for movementtowards its on-glass position by the biasing means 32 as the windowapproaches its fully open position, (3) allow the window wiper 27 toremain in its on glass position as the window is raised from its fullyopen position towards its fully closed position and (4) move the windowwiper 27 from its on-glass position to its off-glass position inopposition to the biasing force of the biasing means 32 as the window1!) ap proaches its fully closed position.

The support means 25 for supporting the window wiper 27 comprises anelongated plastic member which is suitably secured to a support panel 40carried by the outer panel 15 adjacent the upper end of the tailgate 13.The panel as is slanted with respect to a horizontal plane and extendslaterally across the tailgate 13.

The wiper 27 is pivotally supported by the biasing means 32. The biasingmeans 32 comprises a plurality of torsion springs 43 spacedlongitudinally along the support means 25. The torsion springs 43 arelocated in recesses 45 in the upper portion of a support means 25 andhave one end rigidly secured to the support means and the other endsecured to the blade holder 30. As shown in H6. 3, the torsion springs43 each have their ends 43a and 43b in the form of a loop which isreceived within rectangularly shaped slots 46 and s7 in the blade holder30 and support means 25. The torsion springs 43 are secured to the bladeholder 36 and support means 25 by pins 48 and 49 which are receivedwithin openings 50 and 51. extending transversely of the slots 46 and47, respectively.

The blade holder 30 comprises an elongated onepiece plastic memberhaving the configuration shown in the drawing and which extendslaterally across the rear window it The blade holder 30 adjacent itsforward end 52 has an opening 53 extending longitudinally thereof forreceiving the wiper blade 28. The opening 53 includes a triangularlyshaped portion 53a spaced from the forward end 52 of the blade holder 30and a neclt or slot portion 53b of reduced transverse dimension forcommunicating the forward end 52 with the opening portion 530.

The wiper blade 28 is made from a suitable resilient or flexiblematerial, preferably rubber, and has a wiping portion 28a which isadapted to engage the outer surface of the rear window 1.0, a generallytriangularly shaped body portion 28b intermediate its ends which isadapted to engage the forward end 52 of the wiper blade holder 30, aretention portion 28c which is received within the opening portion 53aand a neck portion 28d which is received within the slot portion 53b ofthe blade holder 30. The retention portion 28c securely retains thewiper blade 28 within the blade holder 30 and the neck portion 28dallows the wiping portion to be readily flexed in opposite directionsabout the retention portion 28c.

The wiper blade holder 30 also serves as a spray bar of a washer unitfor emitting washer fluid against the outer surface of the windshield atspaced lateral locations therealong. To this end, the blade holder has alongitudinally extending opening 60 therethrough and a plurality oflong'tudinally spaced apertures 61 extending from the forward end 52 tothe opening 60. The opening 60 is plugged at one end (not shown) and itsother end is adapted to be connected to an outlet of a washer pump (notshown) via a flexible conduit 63.

The washer pump and unit for supplying washer fluid from a reservoir(not shown) to the wiper blade holder 30 could be of any suitable orconventional construction and is adapted to be energized only when thewiper is moved to its on-glass position as the window it is beingraised. The washer unit is preferably like that disclosed in copendingapplication, Ser. No. 91,813, filed Nov. 23, 1970, in the name of LloydK. Kuck, which is assigned to the same assignee as the presentinvention.

The positioning mechanism 35 for effecting movement of the wiper 27between its on-glass and ofi'-glass positions comprises a first cammeans 66 including a pair of spaced cams 65 and 66 which arerespectively located within recesses 67 and 66 in the upper portions orthe support means 25 and which are pivotally connected adjacent theirrearward ends to the support means 25 by pivot pins 69 and 70. The cams65 and 66 are interconnected with each other by a cable 72 and arespring biased by a tension spring 74 toward a first position in whichtheir forward portions 65a and 66b are disposed beneath an underside.portion 75 of the blade holder 36, as shown in FIG. 2. The tensionspring 74 has one end connected to the cam 66 and its other endconnected to the stationary support 25. The cam 65 is also connected tothe tailgate via a cable 76. The cable 76 has one end connected to thecam 65 and its other end connected to the tailgate 13. The cableintermediate its ends is guided by a grooved guide means 77 carried bythe support means 25 at its left end, as shown in FlG. 5. The cable 76intermediate its end has a fitting 78 secured thereto.

The cams 65 and 66 are adapted to be pivoted from their first positionin which they hold the blade holder 30 in its off-glass position towarda second position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which they aredisengaged from the underside portion 75 of the blade holder 30 inresponse to the window approaching its fully open position. To this end,the window at its lower end is received within a channel 80, the channel80 in turn carrying a member 81 secured thereto and through which thecable 76 can slidably pass. As the window ll) is lowered the member 81slides over the cable 76. As the window 10 approaches its fully openposition, the member 81 will engage the fitting 78 on the cable 76 andmove or yank the cable in a downward direction, as indicated by thearrow 85, to cause the cams 65 and 66 to be pivoted from their firstposition toward their second position in which they allow the biasingmeans 32 to move the wiper 27 to its on-glass position.

The wiper 27 is adapted to be moved from its onglass position to itsoff-glass position by a second cam means comprising a pair of cams 88carried at the opposite sides of the window 10 adjacent its lower endwhen the window approaches its fully closed position. As the windowapproaches its fully closed position, the earns 88 will engage a roundedcam portion 89 integral with the blade holder 30 at the juncture of itsforward and lower ends or sides. As the cams 88 engage the cam portions89 they cause the blade holder 30 to be pivoted in a clockwise directionin opposition to the biasing force of the biasing means 32. The cams 88having tapered or rounded upper edge portions so as to gradually movethe wiper 27 towards its off-glass position. When the wiper 27 has beenmoved to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tension spring 74-will pivot the cams 65 and 66 in a clockwise direction and beneath theunderside 75 of the blade holder 30.

As alluded to hereinbefore, a window regulator mechanism (not shown) forraising and lowering the window 10 is operated by a reversible electricmotor which is controlled by a suitable manually operable switch 96mounted on the dashboard (not shown) of the vehicle. Referring to FIG.6, a schematic electrical control means is thereshown for controllingoperation of the reversible motor 20. The control means includes abattery 92 having one side connected to ground G},

its other side connected to the manual switch 96 via wire or conductor94. The switch is preferably a threeposition switch having a neutralcenter position, a first ON position in which it energizes the motor 20for rotation in a first direction and a second ON position in which itenergizes the motor 26 for rotation in the opposite direction. Theswitch 90 would be moved upwardly to its first ON position when thewindow is to be raised. When the switch is moved to its first ONposition, a circuit is completed from the battery 92, wire 94, switch90, wire 95, a relay 96 for the washer unit (not shown), the motor 20,wire 97 to ground G This energizes the motor 20 for rotation in a firstdirection to cause the window regulator mechanism to move the windowfrom its open position towards its fully closed position andsimultaneously energizesthe washer unit to deliver pressurized washerfluid to the blade holder 36. When the switch 96 is moved to its secondon position, a circuit is completed to energize the motor 26 forrotation in the opposite direction to cause the window regulatormechanism to move the window from its closed position toward its openposition. This circuit is from battery 92, wire 94, switch 96, wire 100,motor 26, wire 97 to ground G When the window 10 is being lowered oropened, the washer unit relay 96 is not energized and hence, no washerfluid is sprayed against the window 16.

A complete cycle of operation of the window cleaner apparatus of thepresent invention will be described starting with the window it) in itsfully closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. In the fully closed positionthe cams 88 engage the cam portions 89 on the blade holder 36 to holdthe wiper 27 in its off-glass position and the cams 65 and 66 aredisposed beneath the underside of the blade holder 30. When the operatormoves the manual switch (see FIG. 6) to its lower position, the motor 20is energized for rotation in a direction to cause window regulatormechanism (not shown) to move the window 10 from its fully closedposition, as shown in FIG. ll, towards its fully open position, as shownin FIG. 4. As the window 10 is lowered, the cams 88 disengage the camportions 89 on the blade holder 36. The blade holder 34) remains,however, in its offglass position, since the wiper 27 is prevented fromengaging the window 16 by the cams 65 and 66 which are now in engagementwith the underside of the blade holder 30. The wiper 27 remains in itsoff-glass position until the rear window it) approaches its fully openposition.

As the window approaches its fully open position the member 81 carriedat the lower end of the window 10 engages the fitting 78 secured to thecable 76 and causes the cable 76 to move downwardly in the direction ofthe arrow 65. Movement of the cable 76 in this direction causes theearns 65 and 66 to be pivoted from their first position in which theyengage the un derside of the blade holder 36 to its second position inwhich they are disengaged therefrom. When the cams 65 and 66 are movedfrom engagement with the blade holder 36, the biasing means 32 willpivot the wiper 27 toward the window 10 and the wiper blade 28 intoengagement with the rear window 10. Thus, when the rear window it) is inits fully open position, the wiper 27 is in its on-glass position.

When the operator desires to raise the window from its fully openposition towards its closed position, he will move the manual controlswitch 9% to its upper position to energize the motor 29 for rotation ina direction to cause the window regulator mechanism to raise the window.Simultaneously therewith the relay coil 96 of the washer unit isenergized to cause pressurized washer fluid to be supplied to the bladeholder 30 and emitted in jet form against the outer surface of thewindow 10. As the window 10 is raised, washer fluid will be sprayedbeneath the wiper blade 28 and the wiper blade 16 will engage the window10 to wipe the same as the window moves upwardly relative to the wiperblade 28. When the wiper 27 is in its on-glass position, the cams 65 and66 are prevented from engaging the underside 74 of the blade holder 39as a result of their engagement with the side portions 102 of the bladeholder 36.

As the window approaches its fully closed position, the cams 88 willengage the cam portions 90 on the blade holder 30 and cause the bladeholder 30 to be pivoted in a clockwise direction in opposition to thebiasing force of the biasing means 32. When the wiper 27 has been movedto its off-glass position by the cams 88 the side portions 1012 aredisengaged from the cams 65 and 66 and hence, the tension spring 7d willpivot the earns 65 and 66 in a clockwise direction toward their firstposition in which they are disposed beneath the undersurface 74 of theblade holder 30.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that a novel window cleanersystem for cleaning a rear window of a tailgate for a station wagonvehicle has been provided. It should also be apparent that thepositioning mechanism or arrangement for moving the wiper between itson-glass and off-glass position is of a relatively simple and economicalconstruction.

Although the illustrated embodiment thereof has been described in greatdetail, it should be apparent that certain modifications, changes andadaptations may be made in the illustrated embodiment, and that it isintended to cover all such modifications, changes and adaptations whichcome within the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A window cleaning apparatus for cleaning a window which is supportedby an automotive vehicle for movement in opposite directions betweenclosed and opened positions comprising: an elongated stationary supportmeans which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle and extend laterallyof the window; an elongated flexible wiper blade for wiping the window,an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade and which inturn is supported by the support means for movement in oppositedirections between a first position in which said blade engages thewindow and a second position in which said blade is disengaged from saidwindow; biasing means for biasing said blade holder towards its firstposition; a releasable cam means pivotally supported by said supportmeans and biased toward a first position in which it engages anunderside portion of said blade holder to hold it in its second positiona first means carried by said window and cooperably engageable with asecond means connected with said first cam means for moving said firstcam means from its first position towards a second position in which itreleases said blade holder for movement towards its first position inresponse to said window approaching its fully open position, said bladeholder when in its first position preventing return of said first cammeans towards its first position, and second carn means carried by saidwindow and engageable with said blade holder to move said blade holderfrom its first position towards its second position as said windowapproaches its fully closed position, said first cam means returningtowards its first position in which it is disposed beneath the undersideof the blade holder means when the latter has been moved by said secondcam means to its second position.

2. A window cleaning apparatus for cleaning a rear window which issupported by the tailgate of a station wagon vehicle for movement inopposite directions between closed and opened positions comprising: anelongated stationary support means which is adapted to be secured to thetailgate and which extends laterally of the window adjacent the upperedge of the tailgate; an elongated flexible wiper blade for wiping therear window; an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade;spring means operatively connected with said support means and saidblade holder for supporting said blade holder for pivotal movement inopposite directions between a first position in which said blade engagesthe rear window and a second position in which said blade is disengagedfrom said rear window, said spring means biasing said blade holdertowards its first position; and a mechanism for holding said bladeholder in its second position as said window is moved from its fullyclosed position towards its fully open position, releasing said bladeholder for movement towards its first position by said spring means asthe window approaches its fully open position, allowing said bladeholder to remain in its first position as the window is raised from itsfully open position towards its fully closed position and moving saidblade holder from its first position to its second position inopposition to the spring means as the window approaches its fully closedposition, said mechanism including a first cam means pivotally supportedby said support means for movement between a first position in which itengages an underside portion of said blade holder to hold it in itssecond position and a second position in which it allows said bladeholder to move towards its first position, second spring means forbiasing said first cam means towards its first position, a cable havingone end connected with said cam means and its other end adapted to beconnected with the tailgate, a fitting carried by said cable adjacentits other end, and means carried by said window and cooperablyengageable with said fitting for moving said cable to move said firstcam from its first position towards its second position as the windowapproaches its fully open position, and second cam means carried by saidwindow and engageable with said blade holder to move the latter from itsfirst position towards its second position when said window approachesits fully closed position, said second spring means turning said firstcam means towards its first position when said blade holder has beenmoved to its second position by said second cam means.

3. A window cleaning apparatus for cleaning a rear window which issupported by the tailgate of a station wagon vehicle for movement inopposite directions between closed and opened positions comprising: anelongated stationary support means which is adapted to be secured to thetailgate and which extends laterally of the window adjacent the upperedge of the tailgate; an elongated flexible wiper blade for wiping therear window; an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade;spring means operatively connected with said support means and saidblade holder for supporting said blade holder for pivotal movement inopposite directions between a first position in which said blade engagesthe rear window and a second position in which said blade is disengagedfrom said rear window, said spring means biasing said blade holdertowards its first position; and a mechanism for holding said bladeholder in its second position as said window is moved from its fullyclosed position towards its fully open position, releasing said bladeholder for movement towards its first position by said spring means asthe window approaches its fully open position, allowing said bladeholder to remain in its first position as the window is raised from itsfully open position towards its fully closed position and moving saidblade holder from its first position to its second position inopposition to the spring means as the window approaches its fully closedposition, said mechanism including a first cam means pivotally supportedby said support means for movement between a first position in which itengages an unsaid window and cooperably engageable with said fitting formoving said cable to move said first cam from its first position towardsits second position as the window approaches its fully open position,and second cam means carried by said window and engageable with saidblade holder to move the latter from its first position towards itssecond position when said window approaches its fully closed position,said second spring means turning said first cam means towards its firstposition when said blade holder has been moved to its second position bysaid second cam means, said blade holder having a longitudinallyextending opening therein beneath said wiper blade and a plurality ofIongitudinally spaced apertures in communication with said opening fordirecting pressurized washer fluid being delivered to said openingagainst said window.

1. A window cleaning apparatus for cleaning a window which is supportedby an automotive vehicle for movement in opposite directions betweenclosed and opened positions comprising: an elongated stationary supportmeans which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle and extend laterallyof the window; an elongated flexible wiper blade for wiping the window;an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade and which inturn is supported by the support means for movement in oppositedirections between a first position in which said blade engages thewindow and a second position in which said blade is disengaged from saidwindow; biasing means for biasing said blade holder towards its firstposition; a releasable cam means pivotally supported by said supportmeans and biased toward a first position in which it engages anunderside portion of said blade holder to hold it in its secondposition; a first means carried by said window and cooperably engageablewith a second means connected with said first cam means for moving saidfirst cam means from its first position towards a second position inwhich it releases said blade holder for movement towards its firstposition in response to said window approaching its fully open position,said blade holder when in its first position preventing return of saidfirst cam means towards its first position, and second cam means carriedby said window and engageable with said blade holder to move said bladeholder from its first position towards its second position as saidwindow approaches its fully closed position, said first cam meansreturning towards its first position in which it is disposed beneath theunderside of the blade holder means when the latter has been moved bysaid second cam means to its second position.
 2. A window cleaningapparatus for cleaning a rear window which is supported by the tailgateof a station wagon vehicle for movement in opposite directions betweenclosed and opened positions comprising: an elongated stationary supportmeans which is adapted to be secured to the tailgate and which extendslaterally of the window adjacent the upper edge of the tailgate; anelongated flexible wiper blade for wiping the rear window; an elongatedblade holder for supporting the wiper blade; spring means operativelyconnected with said support means and said blade holder for supportingsaid blade holder for pivotal movement in opposite directions between afirst position in which said blade engages the rear window and a secondposition in which said blade is disengaged from said rear window, saidspring means biasing said blade holder towards its first position; and amechanism for holding said blade holder in its second position as saidwindow is moved from its fully closed position towards its fully openposition, releasing said blade holder for movement towards its firstposition by said spring means as the window approaches its fully openposition, allowing said blade holder to remain in its first position asthe window is raised from its fully open position towards its fullyclosed position and moving said blade holder from its first position toits second position in opposition to the spring means as the windowapproaches its fully closed position, said mechanism including a firstcam means pivotally supported by said support means for movement betweena first position in which it engages an underside portion of said bladeholder to hold it in its second position and a second position in whichit allows said blade holder to move towards its first position, secondspring means for biasing said first cam means towards its firstposition, a cable having one end connected with said cam means and itsother end adapted to be connected with the tailgate, a fitting carriedby said cable adjacent its other end, and means carried by said windowand cooperably engageable with said fitting for moving said cable tomove said first cam from its first position towards its second positionas the window approaches its fully open position, and second cam meanscarried by said window and engageable with said blade holder to move thelatter from its first position towards its second position when saidwindow approaches its fully closed position, said second spring meansturning said first cam means towards its first position when said bladeholder has been moved to its second position by said second cam means.3. A window cleaning apparatus for cleaning a rear window which issupported by the tailgate of a station wagon vehicle for movement inopposite directions between closed and opened positions comprising: anelongated stationary support means which is adapted to be secured to thetailgate and which extends laterally of the window adjacent the upperedge of the tailgate; an elongated flexible wiper blade for wiping therear window; an elongated blade holder for supporting the wiper blade;spring means operatively connected with said support means and saidblade holder for supporting said blade holder for pivotal movement inopposite directions between a first position in which said blade engagesthe rear window and a second position in which said blade is disengagedfrom said rear window, said spring means biasing said blade holdertowards its first position; and a mechanism for holding said bladeholder in its second position as said window is moved from its fullyclosed position towards its fully open position, releasing said bladeholder for movement towards its first position by said spring means asthe window approaches its fully open position, allowing said bladeholder to remain in its first position as the window is raised from itsfully open position towards its fully closed position and moving saidblade holder from its first position to its second position inopposition to the spring means as the window approaches its fully closedposition, said mechanism including a first cam means pivotally supportedby said support means for movement between a first position in which itengages an underside portion of said blade holder to hold it in itssecond position and a second position in which it allows said bladeholder to move towards its first position, second spring means forbiasing said first cam means towards its first position, a cable havingone end connected with said cam means and its other end adapted to beconnected with the tailgate, a fitting carried by said cable adjacentits other end, and means carried by said window and cooperablyengageable with said fitting for moving said cable to move said firstcam from its first position towards its second position as the windowapproaches its fully open position, and second cam means carried by saidwindow and engageable with said blade holder to move the latter from itsfirst position towards its second position when said window approachesits fully closed position, said second spring means turning said firstcam means towards its first position when said blade holder has beenmoved to its second position by said second cam means, said blade holderhaving a longitudinally extending opening therein beneath said wiperblade and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures incommunication with said opening for directing pressurized washer fluidbeing delivered to said opening against said window.